Terms of Service &
Workshop Repair Conditions

1. Introduction & Company Information

These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern all services, vehicle inspections, diagnostic procedures, wheel alignments, parts replacements, and workshop repairs provided by GC Auto Centre Ltd ("we", "us", or "our") to any motorist, vehicle owner, driver, or fleet operator ("customer" or "you").

By booking an appointment online via www.gcautocentre.co.uk, arranging workshop bay attendance by telephone (01902 442044), or leaving a vehicle in our custody at our workshop, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

2. Online Bookings & Appointment Reservations

We operate an open, customer-friendly booking procedure designed to minimise barrier to entry:

• Zero Upfront Payment: Reserving an appointment slot on our website does not require credit or debit card prepayment. No payment is taken online when submitting a booking request.
• Provisional Timeslots: An online reservation constitutes a booking request. While we make every effort to honor requested appointment times, our workshop reception team will confirm final workshop bay allocation upon vehicle arrival or by phone.
• Rescheduling & Cancellations: We do not charge cancellation or rescheduling fees. We kindly request at least 24 hours' notice if you are unable to attend your booked workshop slot so that the bay can be reallocated.

3. Pricing Transparency, Estimates & Additional Work

We maintain a strict zero-surprise-bill guarantee in compliance with the Consumer Rights Act 2015:

4. Manufacturer Warranties & Block Exemption (BER)

Under the UK Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Regulations (BER), motorists possess the legal right to have their new vehicle serviced or repaired at an independent garage of their choice without invalidating the vehicle's manufacturer warranty.

To ensure warranty compliance:

• We install parts that meet or exceed Original Equipment (OEM) specifications from recognised Tier-1 automotive manufacturers (e.g. Bosch, Brembo, Pagid, LuK, Gates, Castrol, Shell).
• We strictly observe manufacturer service intervals, specifications, and lubricant viscosity grades.
• We log maintenance actions in your vehicle's physical service booklet or register the procedure directly onto manufacturer Digital Service Record (DSR) portals (including BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Volkswagen, and Ford).

5. Workshop Guarantee & Parts Warranty

All new replacement parts and mechanical labour supplied by GC Auto Centre Ltd are backed by our comprehensive warranty:

6. Vehicle Driving, Road Testing & Custody

By leaving your vehicle in our custody:

• Road Testing Permission: You grant our certified technicians permission to drive your vehicle on public highways for reasonable diagnostic and verification purposes (such as checking wheel alignment centering, diagnostic sensor readings, brake bed-in, or clutch operation).
• Road Legality: The customer warrants that the vehicle has a valid MOT (where required by law, unless the vehicle is booked specifically for pre-arranged testing) and that tyre tread meets the minimum legal standard for public road driving.
• Personal Possessions: We recommend removing all valuable personal items from the vehicle prior to drop-off. GC Auto Centre Ltd cannot accept liability for the loss of or damage to unsecured personal possessions left inside unattended vehicles.

7. Payment Terms, Collection & Vehicle Storage

Payment terms and workshop collection requirements:

• Settlement Upon Collection: Payment in full is due upon completion of the agreed work and must be settled prior to the release of the vehicle from our workshop premises.
• Accepted Payment Methods: We accept Visa, Mastercard, Barclaycard, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Payzone, BACS bank transfer (for pre-approved commercial fleet accounts), and cash. We do not accept personal cheques.
• Prompt Collection: Once notified by telephone or SMS that work is complete, customers must collect their vehicle within two (2) working days unless prior drop-off arrangements have been agreed in writing with management.
• Vehicle Storage Fees: Where a vehicle remains uncollected after seven (7) calendar days following notification of completion, we reserve the right to apply a secure storage charge of £25.00 + VAT per calendar day until collection and full account settlement.
• General Lien Rights: In accordance with UK common law, GC Auto Centre Ltd exercises a general lien over any vehicle and its contents until all outstanding repair, diagnostic, parts, and storage invoices have been paid in full.

8. Replaced Parts & Environmental Disposal

Unless you specifically request the retention of old replaced components prior to work commencing, all removed parts (including depleted brake pads, worn suspension arms, old tyres, drained engine oil, and batteries) will be recycled or disposed of in compliance with UK environmental and hazardous waste regulations. Old parts will not be retained once the vehicle has been collected.

9. Governing Law & Jurisdiction

These Terms and any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with them shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. Both parties irrevocably agree that the courts of England and Wales shall have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any dispute or claim.